Erie Zoo introduces Sparkles the zebu

Sarah Grabski @ETNGrabski

Wednesday

Aug 28, 2019 at 1:28 PMAug 28, 2019 at 4:51 PM

Sparkles is a 1-year-old miniature zebu.

Erie, meet Sparkles.

Sparkles is the Erie Zoo's newest addition, a white domestic zebu. She was introduced to her new exhibit in the children's zoo area across from the llama and alpaca exhibit on Aug. 19, though the zoo acquired her from a private facility around a month ago. She was born in February 2018.

"She is very active and curious. She adores her keepers, getting pet and loves to 'talk,'" said Emily Smicker, marketing and events coordinator at the zoo.

The zoo's other female zebu, Misty, is gray and 10 years old. Zoo officials moved Misty to an exhibit close to Sparkle so the two can view each other this week. Over the next few weeks, zoo staff plans to introduce the two in hopes of housing them together.

Zebus are one of the oldest breeds of cattle and come from South Asia. They're characterized by a fatty hump on their shoulders.